‘Executive lawlessness’ — LP senate caucus asks Okpebholo to withdraw ‘unguarded’ statement against Obi

The Labour Party (LP) caucus in the senate has condemned comments by Monday Okpebholo, governor of Edo, on the visit of Peter Obi, the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, to the state. 

During a public event on Friday, Okpebholo warned that Obi must not visit Edo without prior security clearance, alleging that violence followed the LP leader’s last visit to the state.

“That man who says he has no ‘shishi’ came and dropped N15 million. Where did he get it from? After he left, three people were killed. For this reason, Obi must not come to Edo without security clearance,” Okpebholo had said.

However, in a statement on Saturday, Victor Umeh, Ireti Kingibe, Ezea Okey, and Tony Nwoye, members of the LP senate caucus, described Okpebholo’s statement as “disturbing and shocking”.

The caucus cited section 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which provides for freedom of movement and expression for all Nigerian citizens.

“Mr Peter Obi is a citizen of Nigeria, and his movement is guaranteed and should not be curtailed by sheer Executive lawlessness and impudence,” the statement reads.

“As a champion of democracy, nation-building and sustainable development, Mr Peter Obi deserves protection and support from the law and all who share the vision for a better Nigeria.”

The caucus urged Okpebholo to quickly withdraw his “unguarded statement” and tender “an unreserved apology to all Nigerians for violating the Nigerian Constitution, which he swore to uphold”.

“We implore and urge the Inspector General of Police and the Director General of the Department of State Services to take note of this threat,” the caucus added.

“The Nigeria of this century cannot afford to condone executive rascality and abuse of office by public officers for the peace and harmony of this our dear Country, Nigeria.”